Interstitial Hydrides of High-Entropy Alloys

This French-UK collaboration is focussed on developing new high-entropy alloys for hydrogen storage. The alloys obtained have high hydrogen-storage capacity, desirable and viable for energy-storage applications, also allowing for the fundamental study of processes related to the inclusion and removal of hydrogen in the metals/alloys.

Design and assessment of solid-state alkali metal-ion conductor 1D channeled framework materials

A key challenge in developing all-solid-state batteries is the electrolyte: that is, the material that allows the charge transfer between the electrodes. This project is delivering new materials featuring one dimensional channels on the atomic scale for this application.

Sustainable Processing of Energy Materials from Waste

A multi-disciplinary team from the UK (QMUL, Imperial and UCL) and China (CAS and Tsinghua) delivers a vision of sustainable waste upgrading into advanced materials for the renewable-energy sector.

Bacterial Nanocellulose for Energy Applications

Our project aims to reuse the leftover of the fique natural fiber production (juice) from local producers in Antioquia, where close to 100 farmers of fique fibers sell this raw material at a price of $150 COP/kg for the production of sacks and cord. We will use the fique juice as a culture medium for the Komagataeibacter Medellinensis bacteria for the synthesis of bacterial nanocellulose, which will be further activated for energy storage applications, including lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. With this project, we will support local farmers, who will benefit from selling their agricultural waste to biomass companies, providing farmers a new source of income. The proposed collaboration involves Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).

Experimental costs at ISIS (STFC)

Contribution to experimental costs at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (STFC)

Conference attendance and visit of collaborators in Japan

Development of a new class of adaptable self-supporting hydroxide-ion conducting membranes

We are making self-supporting membranes based on MOF nanofibres, which have a high intrinsic hydroxide ion conductivity.

Direct CO2 conversion on geometry and surface-controlled supported nanoclusters (International Exchange Grant)

In this research highly porous hybrid template materials are used to enable the growth of geometry and surface chemistry controlled catalyst nanoclusters. These particles are tailored to best catalyse reactions for the conversion of carbon dioxide.